Acrylic nails are a popular way to enhance your natural nails, adding length, strength, and a touch of glamour. But, beneath that flawless finish, a potential problem can lurk: fungus.
The space between the acrylic and your natural nail can create a warm, moist environment that’s perfect for fungal growth. No one wants that!
This article is your guide to understanding and managing acrylic fungus nails. We’ll cover the causes, symptoms, treatment options, and, most importantly, how to prevent these pesky infections from taking hold.
Causes of acrylic nail fungus
Acrylic nails can look great, but improper application and care can lead to problems. Here’s what causes fungus to grow under acrylic nails:
Trapped Moisture
Fungus loves moisture, and the space between your natural nail and the acrylic is a perfect breeding ground when moisture gets trapped. If the acrylic isn’t applied correctly or starts to lift, moisture can get in and stay there.
It’s super important to dry your hands thoroughly after washing them or after they’ve been exposed to water. If you don’t, you’re creating a moist environment that encourages fungal growth.
Improper Application and Maintenance
If your acrylics don’t fit well, they’re more likely to trap moisture. Poorly fitted acrylics create little gaps where water can sneak in.
Also, cracks and lifting in your acrylic nails give fungi a way to get in. When the acrylic is damaged, it loses its protective seal, and fungi can easily enter.
Unhygienic Practices
If the salon you go to doesn’t sterilize their equipment properly, you could end up with a fungal infection. Sharing nail tools without proper cleaning is a big risk.
Using contaminated nail polish can also cause an infection. That’s why it’s so important to make sure your salon follows strict hygiene standards.
Symptoms of Nail Fungus from Acrylic Nails
If you wear acrylic nails, it can be hard to detect a fungal infection in its early stages. Here are some things to watch out for:
- Discoloration: The nail might turn yellow, green, brown, black, or even white.
- Thickening: The infected nail can get abnormally thick.
- Brittleness: The nail may become fragile and break easily.
- Lifting: The acrylic nail might start to separate from your natural nail bed.
- Odor: You might notice a foul smell coming from the nail.
- Pain, swelling, and redness: These symptoms could point to a more serious infection.
If you notice any of these signs, especially if you suspect a black fungus toenail, it’s important to get it checked out by a doctor or podiatrist. The sooner you treat the infection, the better!
Treatment options for acrylic nail fungus
If you’ve got nail fungus under your acrylics, you’ll want to get rid of it quickly!
Professional medical treatments
A doctor can help you get rid of nail fungus. Here are some of the things they may do:
- Remove the acrylic nails so the nail can breathe and you can treat the nail directly.
- Recommend topical antifungal creams, solutions, lacquers, or even fungal nail patches that you apply to the nail.
- Prescribe oral antifungal medications such as terbinafine or itraconazole for severe infections.
- Use laser therapy to target the fungus.
- File or trim away the infected nail tissue.
- Remove the nail entirely if other treatments don’t work.
Home remedies (as supplemental treatments)
Some people try these home remedies to treat nail fungus:
- Soaking nails in a 1:1 solution of vinegar and water for 15 to 20 minutes each day
- Applying a few drops of tea tree oil directly to the nail (small studies suggest this may help)
- Soaking nails in Listerine for 20 minutes
- Applying a baking soda paste to the nail for 10 minutes, then rinsing
- Applying Vicks VapoRub to the nail (research suggests this can help with toenail fungus)
Why seeing a doctor is important
Keep in mind that home remedies shouldn’t take the place of medical care from a doctor. You need to see a doctor for a diagnosis and treatment plan. Oral medications need a prescription and regular monitoring.
How to prevent acrylic nail fungus
Here’s how to keep your nails healthy if you love getting acrylics:
- Go to a good salon. Make sure the salon follows strict sterilization procedures.
- Check the fit. Your acrylics should fit well and not trap moisture.
- Take breaks. Let your natural nails breathe between acrylic applications.
- Fix damage right away. Repair any cracks or lifting to prevent moisture from getting in.
- Keep nails dry. Always dry your nails thoroughly after washing.
- Don’t share tools. Use your own nail tools to avoid spreading germs.
- Use an antifungal base coat. This can help protect your nails.
- Consider antifungal products. If you have problems frequently, try using antifungal sprays or powders.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best home remedy for nail fungus?
While many home remedies are touted for nail fungus, like tea tree oil or vinegar soaks, their effectiveness is limited. They might provide temporary relief, but they rarely eradicate the infection completely. It’s always best to consult with a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment options.
Will nail salons do nails with fungus?
Reputable nail salons should refuse to provide services if you have a visible nail fungus. This is because it’s highly contagious and could spread to other clients. It’s unethical and unsafe for them to proceed.
Is it good to cut off a nail with fungus?
Cutting off the infected portion of the nail can help to reduce the amount of fungus present, but it won’t eliminate the infection entirely. It can also be risky if not done properly, potentially leading to further complications. A podiatrist can safely debride the nail and advise on further treatment.
What one cup of this will destroy your nail fungus?
There’s no single cup of any magical ingredient that will instantly destroy nail fungus. Be wary of misleading claims online. Effective treatment usually involves prescription antifungal medications, either topical or oral, and requires patience and consistency.
Why is my nail turning green under my acrylic?
A green discoloration under an acrylic nail is typically a sign of a bacterial infection, often caused by Pseudomonas bacteria. This can occur when moisture gets trapped between the natural nail and the acrylic, creating a breeding ground for bacteria. It’s crucial to remove the acrylic immediately and seek treatment from a healthcare professional.
Closing Thoughts
It’s important to be aware of the risk of fungal infections when you wear acrylic nails. Taking steps to prevent an infection is key to keeping your nails healthy. Make sure you practice good hygiene, have your acrylics applied correctly, and give your nails a break from acrylics every so often.
If you think you might have a fungal infection, see a doctor right away. Getting treatment quickly can help you avoid complications and recover more effectively.